I am considering taking a mission trip this summer with my son. Can I take the trip off on my taxes?

Yes. Any short term mission trip that you pay for yourself, spouse included, is deductible on your tax return as a short term mission trip. As with any tax deduction the IRS requires substantiation (proof) that you actually took the trip. You must save any and all receipts such as airline ticket stubs and boarding passes, food receipts, transportation receipts and any other receipt that would prove you actually did what you are claiming you did. If a non-profit organization arranged the trip (purchased tickets and accommodations) and you paid the non-profit organization for your trip you would still have airline ticket stubs and other receipts that substantiate you took the trip. You would also have your cancelled check or credit card receipt as proof you paid the non-profit organization for your trip. Hang on to everything!

our youth group for church just got home from a 10-day missions trip to Jamaica. we have some rumors as to where we will go next year.
i heard that we might go to Egypt, but i thought that christianity was illegal there.

anybody some good palces to go to next year around this time of year??

Missions to 3rd world countries are certainly eye openers for the youths in the US & are admirable, but now is the time to go on missions to the terribly devestated area of our country !!! Lousiana,Mississippi & gulf areas of Alabama are still so very much needed. Helping fellow man is great but helping our own countrymen is imperative. Many answered the call when first it came, we are a long way from finishing the humanitarian work for these devestated areas & members of the communities. It seems that interest & compassion for these has waned, The flood of momentary help waned, it is as if the Katrina victims & areas were the flavor of the month for awhile & now they are left to carry on without much help from the federal govt, wealthy celebs/corporations that got their names out front, then left. Even good ,well meaning Christian groups have abandonded these people. Is gong to other countries more glamorous ? more self satisfying ? more Christian ? If our Christian groups have other fish to fry, rather than helping to rebuild & assist Christian communites of Katrina on missions I feel that these missions are far from unselfish, more self serving than sereving this countries needs.

Next year i am thinking about home schooling but only if i am able to go on missions trips (that is what i want to do full time when i am older) does anybody know of any organization that i could get involved that could take me places throughout the traditional schooling monthes?

Check with Hope 4 Kids International in Phoenix Arizona USA. They do mission trips, mostly with adults, but I’ve seen a teenager from my church go to Peru. They are having a mission trip to China in October.
You would need to pay for the cost, but maybe friends/family/church could help raise the money. I have also seen Calvary Chapel church (this is international) do mission trips with teenagers. You could call around to some Christian churches near you and see if they are doing any mission trips you could be with. The Baptist and Lutheran churches sound like good places to check with.

I’ve been on quite a few Mission trips throughout the U.S. and some parts of Mexico with my church, but I really want to get involved in large international Mission Trips, something that my church cannot provide. Is there a way I can sign up for these somewhere?

E-mail some evangelist such as James Robinson or some one like that. I would think they would have information.

I am looking for a mission trip for youth (doesn’t matter where, really). I am most interested in working with children. Also, could you include a website, if they have one?
I couldn’t find a fitting category, so, I just randomly selected one!

Acquire the Fire has mission trips every year.
http://www.teenmania.com/corporate/index.cfm

You could also check out this article (which is not, despite its title, against mission trips)
http://www.csm.org/articlewhymost.php

It is on the Center for Student Missions site, or CMS, but it doesn’t look like individuals can sign up – it is more for youth groups.
http://www.csm.org/index.php

You should definitely check with the youth pastor at your church. Or if you aren’t currently attending a church, look for one nearby with a youth group.

Also, there are probably limitless opportunities for ministry in your own or surrounding communities. Remember Matthew 25:31-40
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:31-40&version=31
Hungry, poor, broken, sick and imprisoned people are everywhere. And all of them need a friend who isn’t afraid to love them and show they care.

Im wanting to go on a mission trip over spring break but I dont know of any orgs. that plan trips for college students for 10 days. What is out there?

Lot of mission work going on in Lakeshore mississippi, check out New orleans also, been there twice this summer, area still devasted, Habit for Humanity of course is still there, also Operation Noah is there, in Miss. my church stayed at Lakeshore baptist church, their website is rebuildlakeshore.com. It is a powerful place that will change your life forever.

A few of my friends and I are wanting to go to Mexico and build houses and churches! But we have no clue how to do that! Where do we sign up? How do we team up with some youth group? Please help us!! If you have done a mission trip to mexico, how did you start it? Oh and i would like one that is leaving from Louisiana or one from Louisiana!!

If you are serious about going, I know of one organization that takes hosts several mission groups a year. During the summer they host a huge youth mission group for a week. They have several groups that come to only build churches. They will take you to places that not many tourist get to see. I am deeply involved with them and go frequently. They leaders/host believe in safety first and experince second.
Check out this website: http://www.fbmi.us/web/pageid/16531/pages.asp
let me know if you have problems.

I want to know of an organization or church that you can go on Christian missionary trips with them to different countries who need help. I dont mind paying for it either just want to go help.

Teen Mania takes mission trips from 2 weeks to up to 2 months. They give you ideas on how to raise the funds for the trip as well. We have had many kids from our church go on trips with them. This ministry is based out of Lindale, Texas and Ron Luce is the founder.

YWAM (youth with a mission) has been around since 1960 and has a great reputation for worldwide missions. Loren Cunningham is the founder and he speaks at many youth conferences every year. They have extensive training for those who sign up, as well.

Both of these ministries are well sponsored with many young adult leaders and only go to places where they are assured your kids will be safe. They concentrate on street witnessing, skits, music, and work with local churches in the area they travel to. Cost can range from $1500 to $3500.

Find enclosed links below with all the information you need.